The Grenada gazette. (Grenada, Miss.) 1885-18??, 1887-07-02

American robin is . spirited and at
tractive pet, a big, honest fellow, very
honest in what he is doing, and not in
the least sentimental-a bird with a
we'll marked character of his own. He
becomes very tame, and especially de-
lights in being treated as one of the
family. eating at the table. and making
his own selection Of food, in which he
has decided tastes. What is strange,
he will thrive for years on beef steal,
cake, hot doughnuts, r%aisins. and in
fact anything he may select from an
ordinary table. As a singer, the robin
does not shine in captivity, though he
will "talk" and utter a whisper-song,
so low it is q mere murmur, by the
hour. He needs the Inspiration Of
freedom, of early morning. perhaps Of
a nest in the apple-tree, to bring out
his full, glorious song. But he is a
cheerful captive. and never mopes
when we'll treated.
The wood-thrush. hermit-thrush and
others Of this amiable family, are con-
fiding and winning. They will be very
familiar, and eat from your hand, but
in general they will not sing in con-
finement. excepting the low song al
ready spoken Of.
For an incarnation Of mischief and
fun I recommend the cat bird. Full of
whimsical freaks, always %inventing
some new prank, always diverting. no
dizziness a exist where a cat-bird is
free and friendly. The same may be
said of the hooking bird, which is sad
ly out Of place shut In a cage, with
singing his only resource. One Of the
most active birds. his lot IS a prisoner
is peculiarly hard. Do not think he is
happy because he sings. Those who
have known him at home and listened
to his song can tell the difference. He
sings because it is his only relief, and
if we could understand the song, and
interpret the slight ~quivering of the
wings which accompanies 1t. we would
know him better. and I'm sure should
open the door of his cage.
A blue jay is n of the most enter
tanning of pets, as is also the common
crow. and for the same reason-in-
genuity in mischief; the caprices he
will indulge in. and the destruction he
will work on house and furniture, are
surprising in one of his size. Unless
one has an unused room this bird
would not be appreciated as a COM
panion for the city; but in the country.
with access to a yard, no bird or beast
could afford more entertainment than
either one of these fellows.
Seed-eating birds r most easily
cared for and neatest about a room,
and almost any n will display marked
individuality. II you once become &C
quainted with a bird, and cure your
self of thinking him a mere animated
machine. he will surprise you in many
ways. The common house sparrow,
%disreputable, quarrelsome, scolding
little tramp that he is. has proved in.
telligent, affectionate and interesting
to people who have treated him we'll.
and have the patience to win his conf
dence.
In many respects birds are much
more desirable house companions than
dogs or cats; they are not noisy.
b~oisterous and careless, like the form
or. nor will they associate with "evil
company that corrupts good man
ners," which tho best-bred pussy will
sometimes do.
In regard to their treatment, q vol
ume might be p~roftably written. for
the carclessncss displayed in tho care
of birds is almost past belief. l will
say hut a few words: get . good bird
book and learn what your pet should
have, then procure the best Of the
kind. OF mocking-b bird food ! will
say that l have tried many sorts. and
l know Of not one place in New York
to get food on which q bird will
thrive. Keep tho cage immaculate.
and give a variety both Of food and Of
scene, and though you may not have q
singing machine. you will have what
is better-a loving and bewitching pet;
to whom you will become as much at
tached as to any dog or cat in the
world.
Another thing. too, I must say.
When you r obliged to leave home
l will not say when you are tired Of
him. for under the circumstances you
can never be that-do not think you
are making your pct happy by open.
Ing his cage door and turning him out
into the universe. II he Is In perfect
condition, accustomed to flying around
tho room. and has not been kept In